I was Reborned on 4/4/24

I decided to give my life to God because once I got a taste of what life with Him looked like, I couldn’t go back to my old ways. With Him, everything is easier, I never feel alone and I am loved in the purest form.

7 months into my Christian journey, I realized that I no longer found joy in doing the things of this world; like clubbing, listening to secular music, and drinking alcohol. Whether it was because I was overdoing it or not, I knew that something needed to change. I was partying on Saturday nights and praising the Lord on Sunday mornings. At first, I didn’t see the problem in this, until later on I realized the damage I was doing to my soul and my relationship with Him.

There was one Sunday in particular when as I worshipped I heard the Lord tell me, “You no longer need to do those things. You don’t need to party, drink, and online date to feel worthy. I will fill you with everything you need.” It was at that moment that I decided to draw a line in the sad, (famous saying in the Hillsong family) and decided that I was going to truly follow God and His ways. 

Of course, that decision was not an easy one. I relied on those things for a while. Understanding that this sudden change of heart was not going to happen overnight was key. Little by little, I stopped going out. I started finding different activities that did not involve going to certain places. I refrained from alcohol. I started having either mocktails or just juice. I stopped listening to secular music and changed my playlist to Christian music. The freedom I felt after implementing those little changes in my life not only enhanced my relationship with Him but it freed me from a jail I didn’t know I was in.

After I decided to make the Lord the center of my life, I decided that I needed to get baptized. I learned that this act, not only symbolized that my old ways were dying, but that I was publically showing that I chose to make Him my Lord and Savior. 

A good friend of mine from church told me about this baptism course that he took before getting baptized. This course exposed me more to the meaning of baptism and why it is a key step in the Christian journey. After completing the course, I knew deep in my core, that I was making the right decision. 

Earlier in the year, Hillsong Boston made an announcement saying that baptisms were going to take place at the beginning of April. As soon as the service finished, I signed up to get baptized.

On April 4, 2024, I got baptized. My mom and dad drove from New York to be there for me. My sister and my cousin joined us there as well. That night, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions that I couldn't express how I felt. First, we worshipped and then prayed. After, we stood at the corner of the altar. I was the second person to get baptized.

When I entered the tub the first thing I noticed was how cold the water was. I listened to Pastor Jimmy and Megan’s instructions on how to sit down. They asked me my name. I told them Yerika. They mispronounced it and I corrected them. (Usually, when someone mispronounces my name I tend not to correct them because I am just like “Huh, whatever.” This time around, I did not let it slide because it was one of the most important nights of my life.) The second question they asked me was “Who is Jesus to you?” I answered the question and tears streamed down my cheeks. I was embraced with His love in a way so powerful that I knew, I just knew, that He was there with me, in that tub. As they directed me on how to place my hands on my chest, they prayed over me. Then they said, “We baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Then they submerged me under the water. 

In those few seconds under the water, I had an out-of-body experience (This is the only way I can explain it so bear with me.) It was as if I could have seen my body in the tub as if my eyes were opened, which of course they weren’t. They were closed because I didn’t want water getting into my contacts. As they raised me, a bunch of water went up my nose, lol. 

I remember a lot of cheering. Jimmy and Megan began to pray abundance over my life. In that moment I felt an unexplainable peace and serenity. I knew that my life was never going to be the same.

As I write this post and reflect over my life’s trajectory, it still surprises me plenty. I went from being lost, seeking refuge in many things, to being saved by my Father. He had always protected me and cared for me. He was always there when I felt alone. He has always loved me when I needed it the most. As “messed” up as I was (and still am lol), He still loves me. He was always there, sitting, waiting patiently for me to finally come home. It was just a matter of time for me to surrender to His will. 

Thank you Father for not giving up on me. 

Thank you for giving me the time of day to read this piece. If you have any questions regarding anything do not hesitate to ask me. If you have any suggestions or want me to talk about a specific topic, either hit the chat or email me :)

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Stay tuned for my next blog -> Leap of Faith

XOXO Yerika